By OLA MUDOPE, Lagos –
In the wake of the devastating loss of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a medical house officer at Lagos Island General Hospital, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) emphasizes the immediate necessity for robust healthcare reforms to strengthen infrastructure, accountability, and transparency within our healthcare system.
In an official statement endorsed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the prominent civil society organization expressed deep concern over the apparent negligence demonstrated by the management of Lagos Island General Hospital.
Consequently, the organization urged the Lagos State Government to initiate a thorough inquiry into the incident and conduct a comprehensive assessment of healthcare infrastructure across the State.
HEDA said that the unfortunate passing of Dr. Vwaere Diaso serves as a poignant reminder of the dire consequences that can arise when vital maintenance and repairs are compromised, disregarded or ignored within healthcare facilities.
“The malfunctioning elevator that tragically claimed her life had been left unattended for an extended period, revealing the critical need for immediate and far-reaching reforms within the healthcare sector.” He said.
The Civil Society group unequivocally denounced the negligence and calls on the relevant authorities to swiftly rectify the situation. Additionally, the human rights group demands urgent intervention from the Lagos State Government to initiate a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Diaso’s untimely demise.
“The imperative to establish accountability and hold those accountable for neglecting maintenance is stressed.
“The organization further advocates for a comprehensive audit of nationwide healthcare infrastructure, with special attention to identifying and rectifying potential safety hazards, faulty equipment, and infrastructure in dire need of restoration or renewal.
“HEDA ardently supports the creation of an emergency fund exclusively allocated to the maintenance and repair of critical infrastructure within healthcare facilities. Proper management of this fund is crucial to preventing future tragedies arising from neglect”, it said.
The organization extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Vwaere Diaso. The tragic circumstances surrounding her passing underline the urgency for collective measures to address the deficiencies in our healthcare system and the suffering of ordinary citizens in accessing health care services.
The organization appealed to all stakeholders, encompassing governmental bodies, regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions, and the broader public, to unite in their endeavors to foster a healthcare sector that places the safety and well-being of all participants at the forefront.
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